The Vosges
Are you looking for a vacation destination that combines nature, history, and culture? Would you like to explore a department with diverse landscapes, an exceptional heritage, and a wide range of entertaining activities? The Vosges are the perfect destination for you! Named after the mountain massif the department invites you to get away from it all.
Get ready to relax, enrich and entertain. Let us guide you!
Nature's must-sees in the Vosges
The Vosges, a true paradise for nature lovers, offers a wealth of landscapes, flora and fauna, promising memorable experiences.
Here are a few natural gems to explore during your visit to the Vosges, department located in the Region Great East.
Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park
Spanning the Vosges, Haut-Rhin, Territoire de Belfort, and Haute-Saône, the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park is a protected haven of peace. It encompasses the highest peaks of the mountain range, known as the «ballons,» offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. The park is also home to exceptional natural habitats such as high moors, peat bogs, ancient forests, and glacial lakes.
A diverse array of flora and fauna awaits you there, including species such as the capercaillie, the lynx, the vanilla orchid, and the gentian. The park offers a wide range of activities: hiking, biking, skiing, and fishing.
Mountain lakes: Gérardmer, Longemer and Retournemer
The Vosges is home to some magnificent lakes The lakes of Gérardmer, Longemer and Retournemer, located in the picturesque Vallée de Lacs, are among the most famous. The lakes of Gérardmer, Longemer and Retournemer, located in the picturesque Vallée des Lacs, are among the most famous.
These natural lakes, formed by retreating glaciers, are nestled amid forests and mountains, offering an idyllic setting. They are perfect for water activities such as sailing, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding, as well as swimming in their crystal-clear waters. The marked trails around the lakes let you explore them on foot or by bike, while enjoying breathtaking views.
Unmissable hikes: the route des Crêtes and the sentier des Roches
For hiking enthusiasts, the Vosges offer exceptional trails with breathtaking panoramic views. The Route des Crêtes, a scenic route connecting the massif’s major peaks—such as the Grand Ballon, the Hohneck, and the Markstein—can be traveled by car, bike, or on foot. It offers magnificent views of the valleys of Alsace and Lorraine, with opportunities to stop at farmhouse inns to savor local specialties. The Sentier des Roches, meanwhile, offers a spectacular hike through landscapes of rocks, waterfalls, and forests. Connecting the Col de la Schlucht to Frankenthal, this trail is recommended for experienced hikers due to its steep and vertiginous sections.
Historical and cultural heritage of the Vosges
The Vosges offer much more than just a magnificent natural setting; they also boast a rich historical and cultural heritage. This department invites you to explore its exceptional heritage, which reflects a complex history and a unique identity.
Discover some of the Vosges' must-see historical and cultural sites below.
The town of Épinal and its world-famous imagery
Épinal, the prefecture of the Vosges department and the “capital of imagery,” is famous for its traditional printmaking tradition, which has been active since the 18th century. These popular prints, intended for educational, decorative, and entertainment purposes, have made the city famous.
At the Épinal Museum of Illustration, you can explore the history and techniques of this unique industry, as well as collections of both old and modern illustrations. Creative workshops also give you the opportunity to create your own illustration, just like the famous Épinal illustrators.
Haut-Kœnigsbourg castle: a journey back to the Middle Ages
Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle, an iconic landmark of the Vosges, stands majestically on a rocky outcrop, overlooking the Alsace plain. Built in the 12th century, this fortified castle has weathered sieges, fires, and reconstructions before being magnificently restored in the early 20th century by Emperor Wilhelm II.
A tour of the castle immerses you in a medieval atmosphere, with a faithful recreation of the era’s ambiance and furnishings. It also offers a breathtaking view of the Vosges and the Black Forest. A variety of activities, such as falconry shows, dramatized tours, and medieval festivals, enhance the experience.
Spa towns: Vittel and Contrexéville, emblems of well-being
The Vosges are also famous for their spa towns, of which Vittel and Contrexéville are the most iconic, renowned for the medicinal properties of their mineral waters. These spa resorts offer treatments based on the use of water, mud, and steam, contributing to visitors’ well-being.
In addition to the spa treatments, you can explore the rich architectural and cultural heritage of these cities, which bear witness to their golden age in the 19th century, a period when they welcomed the European aristocracy. The villas, casinos, parks, and museums tell the story of these wellness destinations and showcase their unique charm.
Family and leisure activities in the Vosges
The Vosges, a perfect destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offer a wide variety of activities suitable for all ages. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or culinary experiences, the Vosges are sure to satisfy you.
Check out the selection of family-friendly and recreational activities below that you won't want to miss in the Vosges.
Ski resorts: winter fun on the slopes
The Vosges is a true skier's paradise, with slopes for all levels. With several ski resorts offering quality services at competitive prices, you're sure to find what you're looking for.
La Bresse-Hohneck, the largest resort in north-east France, awaits you with 50 km of pistes, 7 km of cross-country skiing and 14 km of snowshoeing. Enjoy downhill skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and much more, in breathtaking surroundings. Entertainment, restaurants, ski schools and wellness areas are also at your disposal.
Adventure and Amusement Parks: Fraispertuis City and Bol d’Air
Amusement park enthusiasts will be delighted by Fraispertuis City and Bol d’Air, two exceptional destinations in the Vosges. Fraispertuis City, located in Jeanménil, transports you to the Wild West with more than 35 attractions for all ages. Roller coasters, rides, slides, and shows await you there, not to mention the four restaurants serving local and American specialties.
Bol d’Air, in La Bresse, offers a unique outdoor adventure experience featuring tree-top courses, zip lines, bungee jumping, paragliding, and paintball. For a memorable night, choose unique lodging such as a treehouse, a transparent bubble, or a hobbit house.
Discover local cuisine: nearby Alsace cheese and wine trails
The Vosges are also a top destination for food lovers. The Cheese Trail invites you to visit farms, dairies, and cheese factories to sample specialties such as Munster, Bargkass, and Géromé. The Alsace Wine Route will take you through vineyards and wine cellars to savor exceptional wines such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Crémant.
Don't miss the markets, restaurants and local festivals where you can savor typical dishes such as tarte flambée, sauerkraut or baeckeoffe.
Conclusion
It’s clear that the Vosges are a top destination for everyone. Whether you’re interested in nature, history, culture, recreation, or fine dining, the Vosges will charm you. This department stands out for its diverse landscapes, rich heritage, wide range of activities, and culinary delights, promising a memorable vacation.
Don't delay, plan your trip to the Vosges now to explore this remarkable region!
FAQ
What is the number of the Vosges department?
The Vosges department is numbered 88, as assigned by INSEE and La Poste in alphabetical order.
Are the Vosges in Lorraine?
Yes, the Vosges are part of Lorraine. The department, designated by the code 88, is located within the historical and cultural region of Lorraine. Lorraine is part of the Grand Est administrative region. The department’s name comes from the Vosges Mountains, which cover a large part of its territory and form the natural boundary between Lorraine and Alsace.
Are the Vosges part of Alsace?
No, the Vosges are not part of Alsace. Historically, Alsace corresponds to the departments of Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin. The Vosges mountain range, on the other hand, spans six departments: Vosges, Haut-Rhin, Bas-Rhin, Territoire de Belfort, Haute-Saône, and Meurthe-et-Moselle, separating Alsace from Lorraine, with most of it located in the Vosges department.
Which is the most beautiful village in the Vosges?
The question of the most beautiful village in the Vosges is subjective and can vary according to personal taste. However, there are several picturesque villages in the département that are well worth a visit, captivating visitors with their charm and history.
To learn more about the latest news from the Vosges, go to the official website of the department.
